Separated children: an overview of the current situation

Separated children: an overview of the current situation

Description: "The attached report by Wendy Ayotte and Louise Williamson presents an analysis of thesituation in the UK against a European-wide framework of good practice. Their analysis
looks in depth at the experiences of separated children with a view to highlighting ways in
which the situation could be improved. Within their text are a number of detailed recommendations for improving practice.

Most separated children are based in England, with growing numbers in Wales and Scotland, but there are still very few separated children in Northern Ireland. Whilst Home Office policy applies across the UK, there are differences between care and educationarrangements in the 4 countries.

In this report the emphasis regarding care and
education policies is on England where most separated children live.

From our own experience and research Save the Children and the British Refugee Council are pleased to highlight a number of areas where practice in the UK is strong in comparison with many other countries, for example:

· separated children arriving in the UK are given access to asylum procedures

· children's claims are assessed by a specialist team in the Home Office

· the system of the independent Panel of Advisers for Unaccompanied Children is an excellent model which should be strengthened in the UK and developed in other countries

· children receive independent legal representation for which legal aid is available

· some immigration officers are specially trained in interviewing children

· many children report how much they appreciate the education and care they receive in the UK

However, the document by Wendy Ayotte and Louise Williamson brings out a number of
particular difficulties which separated children coming to the UK may encounter.

· high levels of racism in the UK

· the detention of young people under the age of 18 when their ages are disputed by immigration authorities or local authorities

· uncertainties associated with the limited form of immigration status which most of the children are awarded (Exceptional Leave to Remain)

· the inadequate care provided by many social services departments to young people,
especially those aged around 15 and above, and the anomalies in Government funding to local authorities for separated children

· the severe dangers experienced by separated children trying to reach the UK who end up in the hands of smugglers and traffickers"

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